Malignant blue melanoma

Clin Dermatol. 2024 Sep 9:S0738-081X(24)00171-8. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2024.09.002. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Malignant blue melanomas (MBMs) arise from blue nevi and all related intradermal melanocytic proliferations. They harbor specific, mutually exclusive mutations in the G-coupled protein pathway, mainly involving GNAQ or GNA11. Other rare genetic drivers include CYSLTR2 or PCLB4 mutations. PKC and GRM1-gene fusions have been recently added to this list. MBMs have a predilection for the scalp area, presenting as rapidly growing nodules within a pre-existing lesion. Histopathologically, these tumors are located in the dermis and subcutaneous fat and consist of large nodules or expanding dense sheets. Tumor necrosis is commonly seen. Large spindle-shaped and epithelioid melanocytes with high-grade cytological atypia and frequent mitotic figures are at higher magnification. A benign blue nevus or intermediate-grade blue melanocytoma is frequently found on the side of the central mass. Loss of nuclear BAP1 immunoreactivity is a poor prognostic factor.

Keywords: BAP1 inactivation; CYSLTR2 mutation; GNA11 mutation; GNAQ mutation; GRM1 gene fusion; PRKCA gene fusion; PRKCB gene fusion; atypical cellular blue nevus; blue melanocytoma; malignant blue melanoma; melanoma ex blue nevus.